Children’s Quote

“Children must be taught how to think, not what to think.”
― Margaret Mead

 

Children's Assessmenst

Children and Assessments

Assessment, is defined as the process of identifying, gathering and interpreting information about students’ learning; the purpose being centered around providing information on student achievement and progress and set the direction for ongoing teaching and learning(Crow, 2007, para. 2).

We have learned from our research that all aspects of a child’s life, affect whether they will experience success in school. In order for assessments to be fair and accurate, teachers must evaluate children on individuality. Some children will not reveal what they know in certain settings. Because individuality is so important, standardized assessment results can be unreliable; however, those results will determine, whether a child is promoted to the next grade level, and will also affect the compensation for teachers and administrators(Edutopia Staff, 2012, para. 3).

Authentic assessments, in my opinion are the most accurate. The teacher design the assessment, in an attempt the measure what the students have learned, based on contents taught. Examples of authentic assessments would include observation, open-ended questions, portfolios, journals, rubrics and teacher-created tests. What make the authentic assessment the most reliable, is the opportunities the teacher have, to meet the needs of each child, by presenting material in a way that each particular student would grasp. Unlike authentic assessments, standardized exams are given based on grade levels. Each student, is given the exact same exam, and given a certain amount of time, to complete it. Individuality is not taken into consideration. Some students suffer with test anxiety issues. Some need more time to process information presented; standardized test do not provide any that. Children in their natural classroom environment, will exhibit what they know and what they don’t.   

In the past, children in east Africa were being assessed based on western assessments and children’s milestones were judged, based on experiences they did not have. In an article I read” Refining the milestones: assessing child development in Africa”, children who did not have any experiences with forks and knives, were being asked to use them to prepare a bowl of cereal, they were also assessed on bicycle riding, but had not had the experiences because of their culture. Researchers from the College of Medicine in Blantyre, Malawi, designed a more culturally relevant developmental assessment tool: “Malawi Developmental Assessment Tool” (MDAT)”; used to assess children in rural Africa (Wellcome Trust, 2010, para. 5). I am grateful for all of the research, done of the development of children; taking environment and culture into consideration.

Children should be assessed in the most natural way possible. The teacher would definitely, get more accurate results; and let’s not forget the child’s culture!!!!!

 

References

Crow, S. (2007). Assessment in primary schools. Curriculum Support for Primary Teachers, 12(2). Retrieved from http://www.curriculumsupport.education.nsw.gov.au/consistent_teacher/index.htm>

Edutopia Staff. (2012). What Ae Some Types of Assessments? Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/assessment-guide-description

Wellcome Trust. (2010). Refining the milestones: assessing child development in Africa. Retrieved from http://wellcometrust.wordpress.com/2012/08/11/refining-the-milestones-assessing-child-development-in-africa/

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My Memorable Birthing Experience

Memorable Birthing Experience

In June 2007, I found out I was having a baby. I was not completely excited, about having another child for a number of reasons: I was thirty eight years old, my son was just beginning his first year of high school, my past pregnancies had been high risk and my husband and I were contemplating a divorce. Because I had been diagnosed, with an incompetent cervix, a surgical procedure (cerclage) was done on my cervix. The amount of stress I endured was too much for the pregnancy to handle; and as a result, I began to feel lots of abdominal pressure and pain. An hour after arriving at the hospital, I went into full blown labor, and was given magnesium, in an attempt to halt labor. The magnesium made me feel lethargic and weak, but labor was stopped; and it gave the baby more time to incubate. Four days later, I gave birth to a 2lb4oz baby boy. The medical staff was prompt and thorough. I had lots of support. My husband, who was putting on scrubs, missed the entire delivery; but I actually had doctors holding my hand through the entire process. One of the doctors, imitated the cry the baby made, when he was delivered. It was comical. My mother is a secretary in labor and delivery, which may have been one of the reasons; I had a good support system, while I was in the hospital. Because my baby was only 26 and half weeks, the NICU team, was standing right there to receive him. I was grateful for all of the knowledgeable, and professional medical staff, I had assisting with my delivery, and the care of my baby. My baby has gone through lots of challenges, but he is doing well today.

Unlike my positive experience, the women in South Africa are treated with complete disrespect! I was appalled at the information I read, concerning the maltreatment of women and infants. Women are pinched, slapped and treated harshly, by the nurses caring for the women (Nordqvist). The medical treatments and standards are low, and no one is enforcing the rules. According to an interview, done with prior patients, women were sent home without antibiotics or pain medicine (Nordqvist, 2011). Here is a statement, given by one of the women, who happened to be HIV positive: “My uncle advised me to call the ambulance when labor started but I did not want to go to the hospital. I was scared of how I would be treated. I hear the nurses are very rude and they are too rough. After giving birth I developed serious problems. I was bleeding too much and I couldn’t breathe properly. Luckily the HIV treatment center took me to hospital, and eventually I got treatment” (Nordqvist, 2011). What a sad story. Every year, 4,500 women die of treatable pregnancy complications. 87% of deliveries in South Africa are performed in a health facility. The Human Rights Watch is working with South Africa government officials to put a stop to this nonsense!  

Nordqvist, C. (2011, August 8). “The Shocking Truth About Giving Birth In South Africa.” Medical News Today. Retrieved from http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/232413.php.            

 

November 24, 2012

How Violence Effects Young Children

In our current society, violence has almost become a way of life for some people. Instead of simple communication (talking and listening), people have chosen to turn to gun violence and murder. I dread turning on the television, because there is always a breaking news report about a shooting. Unfortunately, the younger citizens in our country, are affected by the decisions of those, who are supposed to protect them. One news report, revealed the horrible murders a father/ husband committed against his own family (wife and children). Later reports revealed his involvement in an extramarital affair; I guess his family was in the way. Two weeks ago, I saw one of my former neighbors at the barber shop. She had her granddaughter with her, and she began talking about her three beautiful granddaughters. She went on to tell me how one of the granddaughters (2years old), survived a horrible tragedy. Her mother, grandmother and little brother (10month old) were murdered by the 10 month old baby’s father. The little girl hid in the closet, while the intruder shot and killed her entire family. After murdering everyone, he started a fire, in an attempt to burn the house down. The little girl (only two), told her dad and grandmother, she hid in the closet under clothes, but she came out when she smelled smoke. The little girl is currently attending counseling sessions and living with her dad. I could hardly hold back the tears! Our children are suffering, at the hands of adults who need psychological treatment.

In Israel, children are faced with a tremendous amount of violence. According to an article” Chain of violence: Study shows impact on Palestinian and Israeli children”, children exposed to ethnic and political violence, are more aggressive than other children (Swanbrow, 2012). The article went on to discuss how the political and ethical violence, has spilled over into households, neighborhoods and schools. The earlier the age of exposure, and the length of time exposed to violence, revealed a greater effect of violence and aggression in the children. What a very sad world we live in. How can children grow to be healthy, productive citizens when surrounded by such dysfunction?        

    (Swanbrow, D. 2012). Retrieved from http://www.sampler.isr.umich.edu/2012/research/chain-of-violence-study-shows-impact-on-palestinian-and-israeli-children/

 

 

Suspected Causes of SIDS(Sudden Infat Death Syndrome)

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

 

Twenty years ago, one of my co-workers took her baby to daycare, expecting to see him again; however, that day she experienced the devastating effects of SIDS. For months, she was unable to cope with the emptiness and stress of the loss of her first child. She couldn’t understand why her very healthy five month old, had died!

In this post, I would like to discuss SIDS and some of the research done, to identify the causes of such a horrific syndrome against infants.

SIDS can be defined as a sudden unexpected death of an infant younger than one year of age. If there are no signs of other causes of death, after a formal investigation and autopsy, SIDS is ruled as the cause of death (Carolan, “n.d”, para. 1).

It has been reported that 90% of SID deaths, effect infants younger than six months of age.

Suspected Causes of SIDS

Although causes of SIDS are still unknown, research has identified some reasons why SID has occurred:

1.     Exposure to cigarette smoke

2.     Bed Sharing

3.     Bed covers and blankets

4.     Position of the infant when placed in the bed(stomach)

Research has also shown, that SIDS is more prevalent in male babies, appear to occur during the winter months, effects African American and Native Americans, more than any other culture (Carolan, “n.d”, p. 3).

During my study on SIDS, I found one research on the causes of SIDS, to be quite interesting. According to Dr. Patrick Carolan, SIDS may be the result of interacting factors: SIDS appears to reveal a delay or abnormality in the development of nerve cells within the brain, that are critical to normal heart and lung functions (Carolan, “n.d”, p. 3).  Examination of the brainstems, of infants who died with the diagnosis of SIDS, showed a developmental delay in the formation and function of several serotonin-binding nerve cell pathways within the brain (Carolan, “n.d”, p. 3). Those pathways have shown to be important to regulating breathing, heart rate and blood pressure responses during awakening from sleep (Carolan, “n.d”, p. 3).   

In 1994, a “Back to Sleep” campaign began in the USA, encouraging families to place their infants on their backs to sleep. Since the “Back to Sleep campaign, SIDS has dropped 50% in the US. How exciting! I appreciate research!!!! Because I have learned so much about SIDS and the effect it has on families, I can use what I learned, to educate the families I connect with daily. I can encourage them to place their babies on their backs, avoid smoking around their babies, and place infants in separate beds instead of co-sleeping.

 

  

References

Carolan, P. L. (“n.d”). Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Retrieved from http://www.medicinenet.com/sids/article-htm

Quotes from some of the greatest advocates of Early Childhood Educators!

I am feeling really mushy inside right now. Yesterday, after looking at my pay check from a two week work cycle, I had to remind myself, why I chose to dedicate my life to Children. I was a little sad, but I remembered all of the wondeful experiences I had with my children all that day(Friday). We painted, made homade applesauce, apple patterns and read stories about apples. It was a great day; although I had to chase a runaway three year old half way down the hall( that's why I wear comfortable tennis shoes). After reading on so many great contributors, of the Early childhood field, I realized how important it is, to choose a career that speaks from your heart, and not always to your pockets. I have to learn to be greatful and content that our needs( family) are being met.
  The quote by Marian Wright Edelman says it best" Never work just for money or for power. They won't save your soul or help you sleep at night". Now that sums it all Up!! I also found another great quote from Marian Wright Edelman" You really can change the world if you care enough". It really is about caring and desiring to make a difference in the lives of others. Changing the world stated by Marian, remindes of a statement quoted by Louise Derman-Sparks on the Passion video:" I had a Real Passion to make a contribution in the world and fix all of the problems in the world".My mother has told me on many occassions, that I can't change the world. I've always had this strong desire to change circumstances in others lives, so that they can have a better outcome. That character trait,can sometimes be irritating to my family. The last quote I'd like to mention, is one spoken by Samuel Meisels" The highest stake of all is our ability to help our children realize their full potential". Our children are an Investment!

Personal Childhood Web

My grandmother( Maggie Sturdivant):  was a great influence in my life. I must say, it wasn't really about what she said, but it was the example she displayed, in front of us ( entire family). She loved God, and she dedicated her life to serving in the church, and serving others. When someone was ill, you would see her in the kitchen, cutting carrots, potatoes, chicken and everything needed to make a delicious homemade chicken soup. She kept our family thriving as one unit, by planning yearly reunions, family dinners, easter egg hunts, and summer barbecues.  We loved christmas season in my grandmother's house! She baked candy cane cookies, and cakes from scratch. Although she had very little money, we all( 16 grandchildren) received house slippers, gloves, and a hat for christmas. She was a woman who represented peace, and prayer was the weapons she used. My grandfather was not the easiest person, to get along with;but, she treated him with love and respect; and she spent a large portion of her life, serving him. When I was sixteen, my grandmother passed away. I miss her tremendously, and I regret I didn't get to copy some of her delicious recipes.  Unfortunately, I do not have any pictures of her, but I found a clip art, that remindes me of her. As a result of watching my grandmother display loyalty, respect and love to others, I was able to pull from those experiences, later; and I too began to serve in the church, and help others in need.

 

 

 

My father( Courtney Travis): was and still is a very strong disciplinary. When he set rules, he expected them to be followed; and if they were ignored, there were consequences! My father was very much invovled in our education: assisted with  home work, participated in parent/teacher conferences, and made surprise visits to our schools( unfortunate for my brother). He was a provider and made sure we had what we needed; even if it meant working long hours. My father enjoyed taking us to the theatre, drive-in movies, drum corp competitions and parades. Unfortunately, my father's discipline strategies consisted of spankings, constant corrections and ridicule. He set a tone in the home  that stated" I love you when you are good, but if you make a mistake, I don't". As a result of this type of discipline, we all suffered from low self esteem, and we spent much of our teen years, attempting to please him. I find myself still trying to please him today! My brother and sister decided it was easier, to withdraw from him altogether. Because of my father, I learned the importance of education, but I constantly fight, to avoid treating my children as my father treated me. I want them to know, it's ok to make mistakes!!!!! WE USUALLY LEARN FROM OUR  MISTAKES! My father did teach me the importance of education. 

 

 

My mother( Margaret Travis): had and still has a sweet and caring spirit. She balanced our home in a sense, that she brought balance to my father's way of discipline. My mom was loving and very affectionate. She had/has a great sense of humor and we find ourselves lying in her bed laughing all of the time!  My mom was easy to talk too, and she tried to see others perspectives. I felt such a great sense of comfort and acceptance with my mom. She did not force us to do anything, but she would offer wisdom to what ever circumstance we faced. My mother made all of us( three children) feel special, and like we were the only one. My mother would yell! When pressured, communication skills consisted of yelling and sreaming. I love my mom, and even now she is my best friend! through experiences with my mother, I learned how to show unconditional love to my own childlren.  

 

 

 

My sister( Alicia Travis): is one of my best friends today;however growing up was rough. I was the middle child, and  I often felt like my parents, liked my sister more than me. We fought often, but we still managed to work things out . My sister, had a tough disposition; which came from our father's constant corrections. We are very close now. When I have issues, I call her to talk, and get advice. We are very different, but we definitely compliment one another. I've learned how to forgive others and keep my heart free from grudges, through the interactions, I had with my sister.This is a picture of my sister(pink shirt-17), our nephew Courtney 3rd( age 3), and myself( red-age 20) 

 

The last two people, I'd like to add to my support system, are my two sons( Robert-19,Isreal-4). My children, give me the strength to keep striving, despite opposition. Because they are so far apart, they both have experienced the only child syndrome. My older son is in his second year of college; however he helps me by taking his little brother to speech and occupation therapy. If I need a sitter, he is willing to care for his little brother(if I let him know early). Sometimes, he just comes over to hang out and watch a movie. I am proud of his accomplishments, and my desire is to be an example, for both of my children to follow. Isreal is busy, but the fact that he is still here( lots of medical challenges) is a blessing. He attempts to help with house cleaning and he even tries to help cook meals.  

 



Favorite Children's Book

My favorite children's book is titled" The Carrot Seed. It's written by Ruth Krause, and illustrated by Crocket Johnson.This book speaks volumes to faith! In the story, a little boy plants a carrot seed in the ground. Athough he cared for the seed( watered the seed,pulled up the weeds, from around the seed, and made sure it was planted where it would get plenty of sunlight), it did not appear to grow. Family members told him it would not grow, but he did not let the negativity of others, discourage him. In life, we will have those people, in our lives, attempting to discourage us, but we must keep caring for the seeds we've planted!

Early Childhood Education Hot Topics: Exhausted but must not give up

Early Childhood Education Hot Topics: Exhausted but must not give up: Does anyone have any suggestions about successful potty training? I have a four year old, who was born 13 weeks early. He has some developme...

Exhausted but must not give up

Does anyone have any suggestions about successful potty training? I have a four year old, who was born 13 weeks early. He has some developmental delays, and he is tube fed. Potty training has been slow; however, he has started to express when he has to urinate, but he will not say anything when he has to BM. I know real potty training requires readiness. I remind him periodically, to go potty. I sing a song, and give out stickers, when he goes to the potty. Should I do anything else?